The spring represents a time where seniors and parents across America are thinking about “what happens next” for teens across America who will soon be gearing up for entering college in the fall. Writer Bridget Kyeremateng offers some good advice to those entering college and those who are already attending.
HOW I SURVIVED UCSB
“Bridget! How do you do it all?”
“How do you even sleep?”
“I wish I could do all you do”.
I heard these phrases or variation of these phrases during my time in high school but especially at UCSB. I hated glorifying how busy I was. Being busy does not necessarily mean you’re successful. For me, I stacked activities and jobs for two main reasons: survival and pleasure. I worked better under pressure and with more tasks. I loved my work by always finding ways to grow and learn from those experiences!
These are some of my tips on how I survived being “Bridget”.
1. Talk the Talk: Organize ya life
When I became a tour guide my first year, I had a planner that I used to call my “Afro Bible”. Don’t ask. I loved writing things down because I’m a visual learner. Being an elephant (spirit animal) I can truly remember everything, but even I could forget “Read 50 pages for Fem 150” because I would rather binge-watch Narcos tbh. iCloud & Google Calendar became my personal assistants. Find yours.
2. Communicate With Your Supervisors
Growing strong relationships with my supervisors was so important. It was imperative to me that I was transparent with them whenever I felt a certain task was adding to my plate or finding a balance with them. I communicated with my coworkers when I needed support and reciprocated when they needed a little TLC.
3. Eat & Sleep Like You’re Training For a Marathon
If your body is falling apart as your schedule is building, then you are not taking care of yourself. Thanks to my best friend (shoutout to TrishyB), we found creative ways to maintain a healthy but fun diet to keep our bodies fueled for a full day. (Despite the occasional Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries & Dominos Pizza). In my four years, I never drank coffee to keep myself up. I drank only water. I trained my body to depend on water for energy, not caffeine. I always ate breakfast, lunch and dinner and got my full 7-8 hours of sleep. Some days were easier than others, but getting into the habit will be better in the long run!
4. Treat Ya Self
Whether you like boujiee brunches, binge-watching GOT, running to the beach or sleeping all day, DO IT. Treat your mind and body for another successful or unsuccessful week. Even if I had a hard, long and tiring week, I always looked forward to enjoying a fun activity with my friends or by myself. I always made sure to make that time. I needed to make that time. I am not my job. You are not your job.
5. Be Humble
You are a unique, stupendous individual and there is no one else like you. But remember to be humble. You grew because of many experiences. You learned a lot and you failed a lot. You made it to where you were because of a support system. Being humble allows you to ground yourself.
My list could go on. Rather, these are my top five main tips on surviving and succeeding in a time where you are bombarded with papers, relationships, financial issues and upcoming graduation. Enjoy the journey.
Written by Bridget Kyeremateng
Bridget Kyeremateng is a content creator and writer based in New York City originally from California. She is a proud feminist, activist and music lover. Bridget has degrees in Black Studies and Feminist Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.